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Frozen Iguanas Rain Down in Florida! What You Need to Know Now!
Discover the unusual phenomenon of frozen iguanas in Atlantic Beach, Florida, as cold weather causes these reptiles to fall from trees.
Frozen Iguanas Rain Down in Florida! What You Need to Know Now!
As the temperatures dip into the brisk 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, a curious spectacle unfolds across Florida: frozen iguanas tumbling from trees. Reports from November 11 detail sightings particularly in Port Charlotte and Palm Beach County. This unusual phenomenon occurs when the air chills to below freezing, causing these iconic reptiles to become immobilized or paralyzed due to their cold-blooded nature. The result? Iguanas that, when frozen, may lie dormant for hours until warmer weather helps thaw their blood and restore their mobility Palm Beach Post explains.
Florida is no stranger to iguanas, which are commonly found along the Atlantic Coast in counties like Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe. They thrive in warm weather, often spotted basking in the sun on sidewalks or pool decks. However, when the temperatures drop sharply, these beautiful creatures can become a safety hazard. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes that when temperatures plummet, iguanas may simply drop to the ground, risking injury from predators like coyotes and bobcats USA Today highlights.
Understanding the Impact
Most Florida residents understand that iguanas are an invasive species, introduced to the state during the 1960s through the exotic pet trade. Thriving in Florida’s warm climate, they can become significant pests, feeding on vegetation and damaging homes. As they succumb to the cold, it’s essential to know how to handle encounters with these frosty lizards. If you come across a frozen iguana, experts advise against touching them. They will gradually thaw and recover once temperatures rise. It’s crucial not to bring them indoors, as they may react defensively once revived Palm Beach Post cautions.
Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to health issues for iguanas, including digestive problems and bacterial infections. The alarming die-off back in January 2010 serves as a reminder, with temperatures in West Palm Beach dropping to the 30s multiple times. Iguanas frozen in trees often appear lifeless, but experts assure us they are merely immobilized, ready to revive as soon as the sun shines bright USA Today points out.
Taking Action
For homeowners who wish to manage their iguana population, the state has strict regulations. Green iguanas are a non-native species and are classified as invasive, having been added to the Prohibited list on April 29, 2021. It is illegal to possess them without a permit, and relocating them isn’t allowed either. However, if iguanas are found on private property, they can be humanely captured or killed with the landowner’s consent Palm Beach Post indicates.
As our temperatures fluctuate, understanding the behavior of iguanas helps us adapt to this cold-weather phenomenon in Florida. With this knowledge, we can safely navigate our encounters with these surprising residents, ensuring both their well-being and our own.